People

Bartow, FL - County Manager Jim Freeman announced today that Mary Jane Stanley, CEcD, has been named the interim director of economic development, effective immediately, while the Central Florida Development Council Inc. conducts a nationwide search for an executive director.

Auburndale, Florida -- Update: The couple has been located in Taylor County. The Taylor County Sheriff's Office stopped the couple as a result of the Silver Alert. They were found to be coherent and fine.

The couple was released and were driving back home. They did not give a reason as to why they were so far away from home. Family members were contacted and said they were fine with the couple driving home.

Lakeland, FL-- The Lakeland Ledger, which earlier this year ended it's policy of endorsing political candidates on its editorial page, endorsed the first hire of the Florida Polytechnic Board of Trustees Sunday:

Bartow, Florida -- Three commissioners were sworn-in Tuesday to serve terms as elected officials on the Polk County Board of County Commissioners.

District 1 Commissioner George Lindsey was sworn in to office by County Attorney Michael Craig. State Attorney Jerry Hill administered the oath of office for District 5 Commissioner John Hall. And, Judge Keith Spoto administered the oath of office for District 3 Commissioner Edwin Smith, who was re-elected for a second term.

Bartow, FL – Tobacco Free Partnership of Polk County, the Polk County Health Department and the statewide Tobacco Free Florida program are working to send a significant messages to smokers during the upcoming Great American Smokeout: "There is a Quitter In You."

The Great American Smokeout is set to take place tomorrow, November 15. The event, sponsored by the American Cancer Society, raises awareness about the dangers of smoking and the many effective resources available to successfully quit, organizers say.